The Iron Chieftain blocking one of BlueScope’s three berths has not caused problems in bringing in raw materials, a spokesman for the steelmaker said. But he would not be drawn on whether the company would be seeking compensation from the ship’s owner CSL Australia. The ship has been docked at the BlueScope berth since a fire broke out on its conveyor belt on June 18 and spread to its holds. The fire took nearly a week to extinguish and the ship has remained in the harbour while an Environment Protection Authority-ordered clean-up takes place. Heavy oils have already been removed and work is continuing on pumping out the firefighting wastewater. The spokesman said the steelmaker has been able to use its remaining two berths for delivery of raw materials without having to lease other facilities in the harbour. “The position of the Chieftain on our berth has been inconvenient but by collaborating with port authorities and the vessel owners, we have found operational solutions which have not impacted our manufacturing activities,” the BlueScope spokesman said. He said the Iron Chieftain was expected to remain at the berth for several more weeks, with a likely departure some time in mid-October. There has been suggestions the steelmaker may lodge a claim for compensation with the ship owner over business losses caused by the Iron Chieftain’s presence. The BlueScope spokesman declined to comment, stating “this is ‘commercial in confidence’ between BlueScope and CSL”.

The spokesman said the steelmaker has been able to use its remaining two berths for delivery of raw materials without having to lease other facilities in the harbour.

“The position of the Chieftain on our berth has been inconvenient but by collaborating with port authorities and the vessel owners, we have found operational solutions which have not impacted our manufacturing activities,” the BlueScope spokesman said.

He said the Iron Chieftain was expected to remain at the berth for several more weeks, with a likely departure some time in mid-October.

There has been suggestions the steelmaker may lodge a claim for compensation with the ship owner over business losses caused by the Iron Chieftain’s presence.

The BlueScope spokesman declined to comment, stating “this is ‘commercial in confidence’ between BlueScope and CSL”.